‘Thank you. I’ve decided to go with the political strategy of my birthplace and ignore the democratic process in favour of nepotism, bribery and corruption,’ Priya replied, laughing wearily. ‘I’m going to ask you to convince her, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll pay her off by secretly taking her to see Pretty Woman. Apparently it’s a romantic comedy about a prostitute—can you imagine?’

‘I heard.’ Dhara replied, laughing hard. ‘Acca, you are a benevolently evil genius.’

•

The next day, Dhara called, ready with a pre-prepared and hastily rehearsed talk.

‘Amma told you to call me, didn’t she?’ Smrithi accused her.

‘No, mahal, we speak every Friday.’

‘It’s Saturday,’ Smrithi replied.

‘Sometimes we speak on Saturday too,’ Dhara laughed.

‘It’s embarrassing, Dhara mami, and humiliating. I can’t do it. I have to dress up in a sari—they’ll make me look like a bride. I’m only thirteen years old. There’ll be a hundred people watching me.’

‘They’re there to bless you, mahal. It’s an important tradition,’ she replied.

‘Amma’s such a hypocrite, mami. You know we’ve been quietly eating beef burgers for years, right? That’s not very traditional.’

‘No it’s not very traditional, but a Sri Lankan mother over-feeding her children is a far more deeply entrenched and overriding tradition. You’ll understand that when you have your own children and you can’t help your genetic imperative to put high-protein food in their mouths. The age attainment ceremony is different.’

‘It’s to let people know I’m ready for marriage, and I won’t do it.’

‘It’s not, mahal. Well it is, I mean, it was.’ Dhara faltered, trying to remember what she was supposed to say. ‘The ceremony is also to bless you. Your grandmother will use the paddy rice that her mother gave her. We want you to have a full life, Smrithi, like Amma and Ammamma.’

‘You mean a full married life,’ Smrithi retorted.

‘Yes, darling, a full married life, with an abundance of happiness and children. I wish I could be there with you, mahal, to help you understand and to bless you too.’

‘But you had the ceremony and you’re not married.’

‘That’s right, I’m not. But I want all of those things for you, Smrithi. I pray for them every day. I imagine a future for you that is so much richer than my own life.’

Dhara stopped for a moment. She took a deep breath and controlled the tremor in her voice.

‘Mahal, are you listening to me?’ she asked.

‘I am. I’m listening,’ Smrithi replied quietly.